How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[QF WP]

Just thought I'd create a thread for this - looking back over the last year, I thought I'd done a thread here as well as on Priority Club.

I'm a Gold member.

Friday, 22 May to Sunday, 31 May (yes, 9 nights)
Property: Hilton Cairns
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Travelzoo $135 package rate (included bottle of red wine)
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the wine, obligatory 2 free water bottles per day

Wednesday, 8 July
Property: Hilton Parmelia Perth
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Thursday, 9 July
Property: Hilton Adelaide
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Saturday, 11 July
Property: Hilton Brisbane
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Met Package (birthday present for Mrs LW, included 2 buffet breakfasts at Atrium Cafe & 2 tickets to Qld Art Gallery for Impressionists Showing from Metropolitan Museum New York - to get some culture)
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Got some more travel to do to Melbourne this Friday, so hoping to fly down Thursday night to sample the new Hilton.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Only continental no hot food. Even though it's at the downstairs restaurant - together with hot food.

Oh dear. This is just getting pathetic.

 

[netgrom]

Only continental no hot food. Even though it's at the downstairs restaurant - together with hot food.

wow, that's ordinary I haven't heard of that at a Australian Hilton yet YMMV

 

[Deleted member 29185]

wow, that's ordinary I haven't heard of that at a Australian Hilton yet YMMV

Let's hope it's not going the way of Hilton Taupo, where the bare minimum is delivered and that's it (not even a smile).

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Im sure other Golds have stays upcoming at Brisbane Hilton, my next one is towards the end of October, I will report back. Interested to hear others experiences.

 

[jackthomas]

Im sure other Golds have stays upcoming at Brisbane Hilton, my next one is towards the end of October, I will report back. Interested to hear others experiences.

Not at H BNE until end of November by the looks, but will be listening with curiosity...

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

On checkout I asked if I could get EL access for my next stay in 1 week. Reception agreed but said that this is the last time. They have had a policy change and people will only get 1 level upgrade going forward. So I should book as required next time to get upgraded to EL.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

They have had a policy change and people will only get 1 level upgrade going forward.

I hate these single hotel policy changes. I wonder if that is everyone (diamonds included)? I think Straitman has a H-BNE stay looming, so he may be able glean some more info.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I hate these single hotel policy changes. I wonder if that is everyone (diamonds included)? I think Straitman has a H-BNE stay looming, so he may be able glean some more info.

Diamonds have guaranteed el access

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Diamonds have guaranteed el access

Yes I know, but I was more thinking about the one room level upgrade bit! I quite enjoy booking the lowest grade room on the menu and then getting multi-level upgrades....often to a suite (at H-BNE in the past too). The terminology used the word "may" when speaking of one level upgrades so I'm a bit disappointed to see "may be a one room level upgrade" become "only be a one room level upgrade" in H-BNE lingo! That's clearly not the intent of the H Honors program or they would have stated it. The "may" in my reading of it, is in the event of heavy bookings where better rooms are just not available.......it doesn't read that that will happen as a matter of policy, so I believe they are wrongly twisting words to their own advantage.

 

[Moopere]

so I believe they are wrongly twisting words to their own advantage.

I agree with everything you said. The above snippet - I agree it appears to be their intent, one can only hope that the reality becomes 'to their _dis_advantage if status holders stop booking with them. But I have to say I feel like its a pretty small chance ... the whole direction of Hilton Australia lately appears to be coming from a position of confidence in their booking numbers and occupancy.

We can only rely upon feedback in forums like these to try and determine whats going on at any particular property. I had it in my mind that Hilton BNE has long been known as pretty stingy with essentially everything they could get away with ... perhaps my memory is wrong. I've never been to this property and my recollection of others reports on status treatment is the reason why.

I've hit IHG gold now, with almost no effort ... I mean its essentially worthless but it was no effort. Hilton gold on the other hand is not that easy to gain (not for me anyway) and is fast descending into worthlessness as well ... easy to see whats going to happen.

However, I should stop whinging really or I'll get a bad name All my negative comments of late have really been a reflection of my take on the AU properties - in Asia, even as far north as Beijing, I still find the nice 'old style' welcome of status holders by Hilton hotels and am more than satisfied with them, great upgrades to a minimum of exec room 95% of the time, free hot breakfast for those staying in the room in either the lounge or the main restaurant, not even a hint of charging extra for coffee, newspapers, welcome cards, turndowns, water, etc, etc, the list goes on and on and on.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I do agree with you moopere. What a shame things are getting so ordinary at Hiltons in Australia. You are right, 20 stays a year to RETAIN is no small task. Perhaps too many fast tracks and free gold statuses to new customers is the problem and those of us who are actually loyal are the ones who suffer.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

the whole direction of Hilton Australia lately appears to be coming from a position of confidence in their booking numbers and occupancy.

I believe you're 100% correct there. I notice a lot of my more frequented hotels run at a fairly full occupancy and even looking at the pricing of some other bookings (ADL and MEL are raising dramatically as getting closer rather than decreasing), it's fairly evident that they do have good booking numbers. Has anyone but me noticed that the rates at Hiltons in Oz have also increased rather dramatically in the past couple of years? The cheap rates that were possible seem to have gone the way of the dodo.

However, I've been looking at the other hotel programs just lately as I can possibly maintain two concurrent loyalty programs and I have to say that none of them that I find achievable for predominantly domestic travel comes even close to Hilton offerings to status. In particular, Accor have a good number of hotels in Cairns, but the status offering is ordinary and only the lowly Ibis can beat the rate I can get at the Hilton or Doubletree. Pay more but get less does not entice me.

Perhaps too many fast tracks and free gold statuses to new customers is the problem and those of us who are actually loyal are the ones who suffer.

I've long been an advocate of wise, selective and limited status matches, but I detest programs throwing status at people with gay abandon, as a gift. How many times have we seen questions here on AFF that start with something like "I have a holiday coming up and I'd like to get a free gold status. Can anyone tell me how?" Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people doing that (why not, I probably would too.....it's part of the achievement game), but people who go on one holiday a year is not a frequent guest worthy of status (unless they intend to spend up big, which is not usually the case of those who want a quick status jump) and it amazes me that the programs tend to offer these leg-ups willy-nilly, which must have an effect on the quality of the offering they can provide across that "giveaway" level. Surely targeted status challenges are a better option and fairer on those who have actually made that status level the hard (and expensive) way. All the gifting of status does, is deride the genuine holders of it.

 

[boomy]

I've long been an advocate of wise, selective and limited status matches, but I detest programs throwing status at people with gay abandon, as a gift. How many times have we seen questions here on AFF that start with something like "I have a holiday coming up and I'd like to get a free gold status. Can anyone tell me how?" Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people doing that (why not, I probably would too.....it's part of the achievement game), but people who go on one holiday a year is not a frequent guest worthy of status (unless they intend to spend up big, which is not usually the case of those who want a quick status jump) and it amazes me that the programs tend to offer these leg-ups willy-nilly, which must have an effect on the quality of the offering they can provide across that "giveaway" level. Surely targeted status challenges are a better option and fairer on those who have actually made that status level the hard (and expensive) way. All the gifting of status does, is deride the genuine holders of it.

I admit it is frustrating sometimes when gold/diamond status is offered to anyone for not much effort (while I'm actually paying for stays to maintain top status). But then I open my wallet and see all those gold/platinum airlines/hotels cards that I received very easily through various promotions and status matches

It's a fun game all this status hoarding, no need to take it too seriously and if we play our cards right we will all enjoy the benefits at some point.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

no need to take it too seriously

The problem with that concept is that the money many of us spend is real and accommodation is a serious business. I buy accommodation based on an expectation and when we see that expectation being eroded by giveaways, we're forced to re-evaluate the decisions made. The benefits of a loyalty scheme do form a sizable part of what determines a booking. As I said, I have no problems with people exploiting these "freebie" statuses but it does annoy me when that exploitation (allowable and even at times, condoned) results in a loss of benefit for the genuine status level holders. Of course status is only a benefit if you use it, but if a few hundred thousand holiday makers worldwide apply for a freebie status to gain an advantage for a once a year trip, it has to cause an impact to hotels and sway them to make some decisions regarding the benefits offered at that freebie level as a lot of freebie statuses add up to a potentially big chink out of their profit. I'm guessing the freebie golds possibly outnumber the genuine golds in hotel bookings at some properties and I'm also sure that information would be readily available to hotel management through OnQ (although H-BNE being a business hotel predominantly, is not one that I would have thought fits that description).

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

The problem with that concept is that the money many of us spend is real and accommodation is a serious business. I buy accommodation based on an expectation and when we see that expectation being eroded by giveaways, we're forced to re-evaluate the decisions made. The benefits of a loyalty scheme do form a sizable part of what determines a booking. As I said, I have no problems with people exploiting these "freebie" statuses but it does annoy me when that exploitation (allowable and even at times, condoned) results in a loss of benefit for the genuine status level holders. Of course status is only a benefit if you use it, but if a few hundred thousand holiday makers worldwide apply for a freebie status to gain an advantage for a once a year trip, it has to cause an impact to hotels and sway them to make some decisions regarding the benefits offered at that freebie level as a lot of freebie statuses add up to a potentially big chink out of their profit. I'm guessing the freebie golds possibly outnumber the genuine golds in hotel bookings at some properties and I'm also sure that information would be readily available to hotel management through OnQ (although H-BNE being a business hotel predominantly, is not one that I would have thought fits that description).

I agree, it's all about expectations. I thought I would be upgraded to EL but was disappointed.
Yes I know I'm not strictly entitled but have always got it.

As a side note, I did stay at NEXT hotel a month ago and found it very good.

Ie free internet to all guests. The speed was fast. I was able to stream a movie on the iPad.

I could even use a button on the tv remote to connect my iPad to Apple TV they have set up and watch from the iPad to the TV. Very impressed.

I could have up to 4 mini bar items for free.

Even their in house food - catered by restaurant in the same building was good portions and delicious. Paid

With all the things included in the rate and Hilton Brisbane not going out of their way to support HH members I'll probably gravitate to that hotel.

 

[Buzzard]

Not sure if it was a system glitch or a Diamond benefit but a few weeks ago I could book a room as far away as 2017. The calendar seemed open ended. Now I can't book beyond August next year. Anybody else found this?

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Not sure if it was a system glitch or a Diamond benefit but a few weeks ago I could book a room as far away as 2017. The calendar seemed open ended. Now I can't book beyond August next year. Anybody else found this?

There is web maintenance at the moment..?

Website Maintenance This Weekend

Parts of our reservation system will be offline between 12:00 AM CST and 3:30 AM CST Sunday, September 13 for planned maintenance.

 

[boomy]

The problem with that concept is that the money many of us spend is real and accommodation is a serious business.

I haven't found the property who accepts monopoly money yet so meanwhile we are all in the same boat
Although I'm paying a lot of real money to maintain elite status at HH and SPG I still enjoy the "free" status hoarding game and I'm very happy to exploit all the possible benefits from properties I visit less frequently. That's why I accept and understanding people who do the same at HH and SPG. You win some, you loose some

As I said, I have no problems with people exploiting these "freebie" statuses but it does annoy me when that exploitation (allowable and even at times, condoned) results in a loss of benefit for the genuine status level holders.

There is no direct evidence that too much "free" status leads to cutting benefits. For example, Asian hotels are coping with more freeloaders then Australian hotels but they don't cut any benefits. Even in Australia, although there is more then one way to receive "free" HH diamond status through airlines and CCs, the benefits haven't changed that much over the years, at least not enough for me to stop chasing diamond.

it has to cause an impact to hotels and sway them to make some decisions regarding the benefits offered at that freebie level as a lot of freebie statuses add up to a potentially big chink out of their profit. I'm guessing the freebie golds possibly outnumber the genuine golds in hotel bookings at some properties and I'm also sure that information would be readily available to hotel management through OnQ (although H-BNE being a business hotel predominantly, is not one that I would have thought fits that description).

I know for a fact that HBNE is struggling financially since the loss of some lucrative contracts. These kind business hotels make most of their profits from companies who put their employees there and from conferences. I suspect any decision to cut elite benefits has less to do with the number of status freeloaders visiting this property and more to do with desperately looking for ways to increase profit.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Not sure if it was a system glitch or a Diamond benefit but a few weeks ago I could book a room as far away as 2017. The calendar seemed open ended. Now I can't book beyond August next year. Anybody else found this?

You could always book up to two years in advance.......just not from the front page! Use the front page to load 12 months in advance and then use the flexible date option to continue for the subsequent 12 months (I think the modify option opens up the date range as well). As pointed out, the website is currently under maintenance (how jolly surprising...not!), so I can't check to see if it still works that way, but it has for me in the past.

I know for a fact that HBNE is struggling financially since the loss of some lucrative contracts. These kind business hotels make most of their profits from companies who put their employees there and from conferences. I suspect any decision to cut elite benefits has less to do with the number of status freeloaders visiting this property and more to do with desperately looking for ways to increase profit.

So they alienate status guests? Debatably, their most frequent customers? I doubt that. It's illogical because as Freq Flyer 2013 pointed out, there are better options out there so why be tied to a property by a worthless status? They're definitely in the business market (have you seen the pool area ) over the tourists and my bet is most genuine status holders achieve it by business stays rather than leisure stays.

We could debate it all day, but I guess only an insider would know for sure, but I think there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that freeloader status leads to reduction in offering. Asia is also not a good yard stick as they are a very different region where competition is intense, embarrassment is feared and each and every brand needs to be on their game or go belly up. Australia has a shortage of quality, newish hotels and resorts. Big difference.

 

[Fifa]

However, I've been looking at the other hotel programs just lately as I can possibly maintain two concurrent loyalty programs and I have to say that none of them that I find achievable for predominantly domestic travel comes even close to Hilton offerings to status. In particular, Accor have a good number of hotels in Cairns, but the status offering is ordinary and only the lowly Ibis can beat the rate I can get at the Hilton or Doubletree. Pay more but get less does not entice me.

Have you looked at Rydges?
Join National Seniors (to be eligible you only need to have an interest in Seniors issues ) and when booking online via the Seniors link you not only receive 10-15% off best flex rates but also free breakfast. Let me know if you need a referral.
I know that some of their hotels are a little ho hum but others are really good, they have a good presence around Australia and you sometimes receive upgrades. Rydges Sydney Airport is so convenient and the beds are excellent.

After only 10 stays (or 30 nights) you become PGR Black (Platinum after 5 stays). Benefits:

• 15% off our best rates online
• 50% off meals and drinks*
• Earn 20 reward points per eligible room night – 150 points redeem a free night
• Complimentary bottle of water or welcome drink
• Late check-out of 6pm

*Excludes breakfast, mini bar, in-room dining or conferences and restrictions apply